In the movie, “You’ve Got Mail”, we watch how a large bookstore quickly put the small neighborhood shop out of business.  And while we were all rooting for the “Shop Around the Corner” to survive, it was not to be.  As small business owners, do we support each other?  Do we even remember the shops downtown or do we quickly opt for the large chains at our local mall? 

I grew up in a small town and have fond memories of walking through the shops downtown.  My sister now lives in a small town with quaint boutiques that come and go as they feel the pressure of large chains putting small brick & mortar stores out of business.  Over the last few decades many small businesses have struggled to compete against national chains.  And like my sister, I live in a quaint small town where the downtown shops continue to struggle to survive.

I recently read an article about the 3/50 project to help save the brick & mortars our nation was built on.  I was amazed at some of the information.  For example, did you know that for every $100 spent in small, independent stores, $68 goes back to the community through taxes, payroll and more.  But the national chains only return $43 to the local community.  And online sites…nothing comes home! 

So what can you do?  First and foremost, the large chains do serve a purpose. The national stores offer us cost savings on many of our staple items.  But sometimes we want something different.  And our small independent businesses offer us that.  The 3/50 project is simply that …

Pick 3 locally owned “brick and mortar” businesses you want to help and spend $50 a month helping them stay in business.   If half the employed population did this, it would generate more than $40 billion in revenue!  Here are some ideas:

1. Instead of hosting your networking meeting at a a national coffee chain, change it to a local coffee shop once a month.
2. Instead of meeting at the mall for a shopping expedition, meet at a local “downtown” or neighborhood plaza and explore local treasures.
3. Stop by the local florist for that bouquet this week, instead of picking it up at the grocery store chain you frequent or calling the online service.

Challenge your friends to join forces with you.  Imagine the possibilities…for you and the local businesses.   The malls and large chains are great, but wouldn’t you miss that great little “Shop Around the Corner”?